Device for Capture of Nail Clippings

ABSTRACT

This device is a modified nail clipper or an attachment for a nail clipper that captures nail clippings from spilling during operation. It allows one to quickly trim ones nails and rapidly dispose of the nail clippings by rotation of a lever configured around the internal region of the clipper. This device may benefit athletes, those in group living situations and beauty salons.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO GOVERNMENT FUNDING SOURCES

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

Not applicable.

FIELDS OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure as detailed herein is in the technical field of health care. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to the technical field of personal grooming. Even more specifically, the present disclosure relates to the technical field of nail clippers.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

It is thought that this invention may improve the well being of multiple types of people including but not limited to: children, wrestlers, gymnastics, childcare, nursing home staff, beauty salon, podiatrists, soccer players, ballet, football players, skaters, hockey players, and skiers. For example, it is well known that for parents teaching children to take care of their nails. However, children often will get their nail clippings all over the place, if used by themselves. Further, children and toddlers in day care centers sometimes get their fingers and toes clipped and collection of these nails is important for keeping a hygienic environment. would benefit from this device, is necessary especially around lots o kids.

In athletics there are numerous instances of the people keeping their toe and fingernails trimmed for performance reasons. For soccer players, ballet dancers, football players, skaters, hockey players, and skiers, the tight shoes may direct growing toenails into their feet. Thus during the vigorous activity, the toenails may cause sores and blisters. Therefore, these people may often keep their toes regularly trimmed to enhance their performance. Wrestlers and others who interact with gym mats, may worry about loose toe nails scraping and causing infections on their skin.

In group living situations such as hospitals, nursing homes, and barracks, people must individually maintain their personal hygiene in order for the living place to remain hygienic. Whether staff such as nurses, or residents are responsible, nail clippings within any of these environments (from potentially many people) may decrease quality of life and also create a health hazard.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This device is a modified nail clipper or an attachment for a nail clipper that captures nail clippings from spilling during operation. It allows one to quickly trim ones nails and rapidly dispose of the nail clippings by rotation of a lever configured around the internal region of the clipper. This device may benefit athletes, those in group living situations and beauty salons.

The U.S. Pat. No. 6,088,919 (herein termed the “‘919’ publication”) discloses a nail clipper retainer for use with a convention nail clipper having jaws fixed together at a first end and having chain hole surfaces therein and chain connected. The U.S. Pat. No. 4,017,923 (herein termed the “‘923’ publication”) discloses a finger nail retainer and detachable tweezer for use with a conventional nail clipper. The U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,288 (herein termed the “‘288’ publication”) discloses a catcher for nail clippings shaped to slip onto a standard nail clipper.

The U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,545 (herein termed the “‘545’ publication”) discloses A device for retaining nail clippings within a nail clipper includes a housing adapted to cover the openings between the clippers elongate members. The U.S. Pat. No. 7,194,807 (herein termed the “‘807’ publication”) discloses nail clippers having both shielded cutting blades to prevent intentional or accidental injury and an integral means for collecting clipped nails. The U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,880 (herein termed the “‘880’ publication”) discloses a device utilized as a fastening system with a universal slotted mounting located at the bottom of a u-shape channel. However, neither the ‘919’ publication, the ‘923’ publication, the ‘288’ publication, the ‘545’ publication, the ‘807’ publication, nor the ‘880’ publication discloses a rotatable lever that captures nails within an recess of the nail clippers.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a diagram view which shows steps of using the device.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view which shows one lever surrounding the interior compartment and lever in the open position and the non-activated clipper.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view which shows levers surrounding the interior compartment of the clipper and one or more levers are in the open state and the clipper is active.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view which shows both levers surrounding the interior compartment and lever in the open position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view which shows the levers in the closed state with a visible lever connection component.

FIG. 6 is a side view which shows the levers in the closed state with a flush lever connection component.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view which shows nail clippings within the enclosure space.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view which shows levers as individual pieces without the nail clipper visible.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view which shows levers interconnected and inserting on one another as individual pieces without the nail clipper visible.

FIG. 10 is a exploded view which shows levers surrounding the interior compartment of the clipper and the clipping mechanism is open.

FIG. 11 is a exploded view which shows the components of the device.

FIG. 12 is a side view which shows a screw-based connection for rotating the levers.

FIG. 13 is a side view which shows an open lever with a connected catch 18 on the posterior end.

FIG. 14 is a side view which shows an open lever with a single catch 19 on the posterior end.

FIG. 15 is a side view which shows the exterior portion of one lever piece.

FIG. 16 is a side view which shows an embedded nail file within a lever.

FIG. 17 is a side view which shows a device with opposing file and buffing levers.

FIG. 18 is a side view which shows a tapered end 13 of the lever.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is now described with reference to the figures, where like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Also in the figures, the leftmost digit of each reference number corresponds to the figure in which the reference number is first used. While specific configurations and arrangements are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustrative purposes only. A person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize that other configurations and arrangements can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art that this invention can also be employed in a variety of other systems and applications.

The invention has some elements that are commonly known including: a compound nail clipper, a compound nail clipper lever 1, a compound nail clipper incline top 2, a compound nail clipper base 3, and finally a compound nail clipper enclosure space 4. However their use and relationships to the novel components and steps of the invention render them applicable herein. In order to preface the roles they play in the specification, they are subsequently explained here.

The compound nail clipper is used to cut nails and generally comprises a compound nail clipper lever 1, a compound nail clipper incline top 2, a compound nail clipper base 3, and finally a compound nail clipper enclosure space 4. The compound nail clipper lever 1 comprises a lever arm which uses the fulcrum to lift the load using and intensifying an applied force. The compound nail clipper incline top 2 comprises the dorsal pincher portion of the device. The compound nail clipper incline base comprises the bottom pincher portion of the device. The compound nail clipper enclosure space 4 comprises a holding space that is created by the incline top and base, and can be completely enclosed by the addition of some of the elements within this disclosure.

In order to use the device, a general method preferably involves several steps comprising: First, a person would decide that they wants to groom their nails (Step 101). Or optionally, a person would want to clean underneath the nails. Or optionally, a person wants to file their nails. A person would then pick up the clipper (Step 102), ensure that the side levers are in the closed position by rotation (Step 103). Then they would insert a nail into the apical end of the clipper device (Step 104). In order to trim, they would then depresses the clipper lever (Step 105). One or more nails would then enter the compartment of the device (Step 106). They may then repeat this process until their nails or a set of nails from one or a group of people has been trimmed (Step 108). To empty the device, a person opens one or both levers into the open position (Step 109). Finally, a person empties the clippings in the appropriate spot (Step 110). The above method is herein identified as method 100, and while these steps are depicted in an order, it is thought that these steps may be performed in one or more alternative orders and still reflect the novelty of the invention.

In summary:

1. a person decides they want to groom theirs (or others) nails.

2. a person picks up the device.

3. a person ensures that the side levers are in the closed position by rotation.

4. a person inserts a nail into the apical end of the device.

5. a person depresses the clipper lever.

6. nails enter the compartment of the device.

7. person finishes clipping their nails.

8. a person opens one or both levers into the open position.

9. a person empties the clippings in the appropriate spot.

In order to perform Step 3, where a user rotates one or more levers into a closed position, the device preferably comprises one or two lever 5 and a lever connection component 21. Spatially, the lever 5 is preferably positioned surrounding the compound nail clipper incline top and surrounding the compound nail clipper base. The lever 5 is attached to the nail clipper by the lever connection component 21, located in at least one embodiment about ¾ of the length from the front of the nail clipper enclosure space.

The lever 5 is mainly thought to be composed of metal, however other embodiments may be composed of any of the following: plastic, steel, aluminum, or rubber. The lever 5 comprises a rotatable component that serves to block nails from exiting the enclosure when in the closed position. The lever 5 functions to both 1) create a enclosed area that surrounds the nail clipper disclosure space so that clipped nails can be stored. and to 2) create an outside facing nail file. In turn, the lever 5 preferably comprises a medial face 6, a lateral face 7, an anterior end 11, a posterior end 16, and finally a pin connector hole 20.

Further, the lever 5 has a couple alternative embodiments herein termed the ‘‘one side affixed’ embodiment’ embodiment and the ‘one side buffer, one side file’ embodiment.

Spatially, the medial face 6 is preferably positioned facing the compound lever nail clipper (#) and opposite the lateral face 7. It comprises the surface of the lever that faces the enclosure and functions to both 1) to provide a frictionless mechanism for opening and closing access to the nail clipper enclosure space and to 2) to prevent nail clippings from falling out of the compound nail clipper enclosure space 4 when in the closed state (#).

The lateral face 7 is preferably positioned opposite the medial face 6 and facing the compound lever nail clipper. The lateral face 7 comprises the side of the lever 5 that does not face the enclosure and functions to both 1) provide an outside facade to the lever and to 2) serves as an attachment area for the nail file 8. In addition, the lateral face 7 preferably comprises a nail file 8.

Spatially, the nail file 8 is preferably positioned on the lateral face and is mainly thought to be composed of metal, however other embodiments may be composed of any of the following: crystal, ceramic, glass, or mylar. The nail file 8 comprises a tool used to gently grind down and shape the edges of nails. In some embodiments, it is thought that examples of a nail file 8 may include: an 80 grit file, a 100 grit file, a 180 grit file, a 240 grit file, or a 500 grit file. Then nail file may be part of the lever or an attachment on the lateral face. In some embodiments, it is thought that if the nail file 8 is absent then it may not have ridges (#) and still work to enclose the nails that are clipped.

Further, the nail file 8 has a couple alternative embodiments herein termed the ‘‘separate nail file’ embodiment’ embodiment and the ‘one side file and one side buff’. The ‘separate nail file’ embodiment is thought to comprise an embedded file 9 as a separate piece and is preferably positioned within the lateral face. The ‘one side file and one side buff’ embodiment may comprise a nail buff 10, rather than file on one of the levers. It also would be preferably positioned within the lateral face.

Spatially, the anterior end 11 is preferably positioned adjacent to the nail clipping region and opposite of the posterior end 16. The anterior end 11 comprises the end of the lever that is adjacent to the clipping mechanism and it preferably comprises a top region 12, a middle region 14, and finally a bottom region 15.

The top region 12 is preferably positioned at the apical end of the lever 5, adjacent to the compound nail clipper incline top 2, and above the middle region. The top region 12 comprises the top triangle shaped point on the anterior end of the lever 5. The top region 12 is preferably shaped like triangle however, it is thought that in alternative embodiments that it may also be shaped rounded or tapered. The area of the top region can be calculated by the area that is enough to seal off the end area of the nail file. The top region 12 functions to both 1) match the dimensions of the top end of the nail clipper and to 2) protect the user form the top end of the nail file. Further, the top region 12 has an alternative embodiment herein termed the ‘tapered for picking’ embodiment which allow one to clean underneath ones nails and comprises a tapered end 13.

The middle region 14 is preferably located in the middle of the apical end of the level, above the bottom region 15, and below the top region 12. It comprises the indented part of the anterior end of the lever and is preferably shaped like an inverted triangle however, it is thought that in alternative embodiments that it may also be shaped like a semi-circle. The middle region 14 functions to both 1) protect the user form the top end of the nail file and to 2) allow someone to insert their finger into the clipping region. Further, the middle region 14 has an alternative embodiment herein termed the ‘constrained depth’ embodiment wherein an adjustable variable depth allows not to cut nails at a consistent desired length.

Spatially, the bottom region 15 is preferably positioned below the middle region 14 and apical to the anterior end 11 and is preferably shaped like a triangle however, it is thought that in alternative embodiments that it may also be a rounded or tapered shape. The bottom region 15 comprises the bottom triangle shaped point on the anterior end of the lever 5. The bottom region 15 functions to both 1) protect the user form the bottom end of the nail file and to 2) match the dimensions of the bottom end of the nail clipper.

Opposite the anterior end of the lever is the posterior end. The posterior end 16 comprises the end of the lever that is adjacent to the enclosure region. Spatially, the posterior end 16 is preferably positioned adjacent to the enclosure region and opposite of the anterior end 11 and is preferably shaped like a rectangle however, it is thought that in alternative embodiments that it may also be like a circle, triangle or tapered. In some embodiments, it is thought that if the posterior end 16 is absent then the anterior end may exist at the pivot pin 22. In some embodiments, the posterior end 16 may preferably comprises a catch 17.

The catch 17 comprises the part of the posterior end that inserts under compound nail clipper base 3. Preferably, the catch is a contiguous affixed piece with lever. Spatially, the catch 17 is preferably positioned under the compound nail clipper base 3 and on the posterior end 16. The catch 17 is preferably shaped like an ‘L’ however, it is thought that in alternative embodiments that it may also be shaped like a rectangle or any shape that loops in under the base to provide one-way rotation. Further, the catch 17 may have a couple alternative embodiments herein termed a ‘‘connected catch 18’ embodiment’ and a ‘single catch 19’ embodiment. The single catch 19 embodiment allows independent operation of both levers for opening and closing. The ‘‘connected catch 18’ embodiment’ allows simultaneous opening and closing of the levers, by means of attaching the two levers together operationally.

On the lever may be a pin connector hole 20. The pin connector hole 20 comprises the hole through which a pin 22 or lever connection component 21 is inserted for rotating the levers. Spatially, the pin connector hole 20 is preferably positioned within the posterior end and through the medial face. In some embodiments, it is thought that if the pin connector hole 20 is absent then the lever connection component 21 can be connected on the medial face.

Spatially, the lever connection component 21 is preferably positioned within the compound nail clipper enclosure space 4 and in between the lever 5. The lever connection component 21 comprises a piece that connects two lever pieces through the enclosure space of a nail clipper. It is attached to the anterior end of each lever 5 and is preferably shaped like a rod however, it is thought that in alternative embodiments that it may also be shaped cylindrically or alternatively like a rectangle. The lever connection component 21 functions to both 1) allows means for catching and/or creating tension in order to have closed or open states of the lever which 2) allows rotation. In one embodiment, the lever connection component 21 preferably may comprise a pin 22.

The pin 22 comprises a component that attaches to each lever and allows independent rotation of the levers to open the enclosure space. Spatially, the pin 22 is preferably positioned within the enclosure space and between the lever 5. The pin 22 is mainly thought to be composed of steel however, it is thought that in alternative embodiments that the pin 22 may also be composed of aluminum, or other metals. The pin 22 preferably comprises a pin insert region 24, a pin receiving region 25, and finally a pin enclosure hole 26.

The pin insert region 24 comprises the portion of the pin that inserts on the pin receiving region, so that binding and rotation can occur. Spatially, the pin insert region 24 is preferably positioned within the pin receiving region 25 and perpendicular to the lever. In some embodiments, it is thought that if the pin insert region 24 is absent then then a different type of lever connection component may be used. Further, the pin receiving region 25 comprises the portion of the pin that receives the pin insert region, so that binding and rotation can occur.

Spatially, the pin enclosure hole 26 is preferably positioned within the enclosure space and adjacent to one or more lever. The pin enclosure hole 26 comprises the hole at the end of the enclosure space through which the pin connects the levers. In some embodiments, it is thought that if the pin enclosure hole 26 is absent then then a different type of lever connection component may be used.

Further, the pin 22 may have an alternative embodiment herein termed the ‘screw connection 23’ embodiment. The ‘screw connection 23’ embodiment may comprise a screw connection 23 preferably positioned perpendicular to the lever and within the enclosure space. The screw connection 23 uses threaded receiving portions and a one more colts or screws to tighten and or lesson the pin region. This may result in tightness or flexibility in the rotation of the levers. 

I claim:
 1. A device comprising; a compound nail clipper said nail clipper comprising a lever, an incline top, and a base, wherein said base and said incline top form an enclosure space, said enclosure space comprising a lever connection component wherein said lever connection component is positioned within said enclosure space.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein said lever connection component is positioned in the rear half of the enclosure space.
 3. The device of claim 2 wherein said lever connection component operably connects with one or more one levers.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein said lever can be actuated by rotation along the axis defined by the lever connection component.
 5. The device of claim 4 wherein said lever comprises a posterior end and an anterior end, and wherein said lever connection component is operably attached to said lever at said posterior end.
 6. The device of claim 5 wherein said lever comprise a medial face and lateral face and said medial face encapsulates said enclosure space when said lever is in an a closed state.
 7. The device of claim 6 when said lever is in an a closed state, and said medial face does not encapsulate said enclosure space when said lever is in an open state.
 8. The device of claim 7 wherein said anterior end comprises a top triangular shaped region, a middle crescent-shaped region, and a bottom triangular shaped region.
 9. The device of claim 8 wherein said lever has a file on the lateral face 